Author | Lightnews

Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · 13d

Insurance companies need to open their books. More oversight is required to stop them from price gouging us. #txlege #insurance

Homeowners Deserve Transparency on Rising Insurance Costs · Consumer Federation of America

Homeowners across America are seeing higher homeowners insurance premiums every year. The first step to solve this problem is an honest look at accurate data. But for years, insurance companies hardly...

consumerfed.org

Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · Sep 30

"'[D]o what you can to harden your home against that risk... Be proactive, as a consumer, to shop the market,' said Wendell." #txlege #insurance #consumer @nbcdfw.com

www.nbcdfw.com/news/nbc-5-r...

Is hail risk affecting your home insurance?

Insurance companies are nonrenewing some policies in Texas due to hail risks. Learn how to protect your home.

www.nbcdfw.com

Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · May 13

“'We’re really losing the human touch when it comes to the purchasing and servicing and adjusting of insurance policies,' said Ware Wendell, executive director of Texas Watch, a consumer advocacy group. 'And I think that’s a bad thing for policyholders.'" #txlege @mcglinchyreports.bsky.social

In Texas, insurers are watching your home from above. It could cost you coverage.

Insurers in Texas are partnering with aerial imaging and AI companies to assess homes from the sky. Computer models parse these photos to flag moldy roofs, askew tree branches and missing shingles.

www.kut.org

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Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · May 9

"Ware Wendell, executive director of the consumer rights group Texas Watch, posited that an insurer could theoretically file a 9% increase one month and seek the same increase the next month." @texastribune.org @joshuafechter.bsky.social #txlege #insurance

Texas lawmakers want to lower homeowners' insurance costs, but have few options

Texans pay some of the highest insurance premiums in the country, putting lawmakers under pressure to tackle rising costs.

www.texastribune.org

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Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · Apr 30

"In total, 17 people and 17 vehicles were involved in the crash. Three adults, one child and a baby all died at the scene." #txlege #truckingdanger @kvue.bsky.social @tonyplohetski.bsky.social

www.kvue.com/article/news...

Bond reduced to $7,000 for truck driver in I-35 crash that killed 5 in North Austin

A Travis County judge reduced Solomun Weldekeal-Araya's bond from $1.2 million to $7,000.

www.kvue.com

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Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · Apr 30

"'I think it's really dangerous to take it out of the hands of a jury that's very capable of hearing what happened, what occurred, and decide - 'this is what this plaintiff deserves,' Perez said." #txlege #SB39 #truckingdanger

Critics argue Texas bill could reduce trucking accountability and road safety

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Senate has passed a controversial bill that could significantly impact lawsuits stemming from crashes involving large trucks. Senate B

foxsanantonio.com

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Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · Apr 28

"Let’s be clear: SB 30 doesn’t help Texans. It helps big insurance companies protect their bottom line. It gives them more power and takes power away from juries who listen to the facts and decide what’s fair." #txlege

Bill to cap supposed 'nuclear' verdicts would hurt everyday Texans instead | Opinion

SB 30 would gut key types of damages that juries can award for pain and suffering, disfigurement, mental anguish, or the loss of a child or spouse.

www.statesman.com

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Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · Apr 25

Sign our petition here: texaswatch.org/protect-pati...

Protect patient access! Protect your constitutional legal rights! Take one minute to tell lawmakers to VOTE NO on SB 30 & HB 4806.

#txlege #patientaccess #NoCorporateImmunity #SB30

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Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · Apr 23

Sign our petition here to say tell your lawmakers to vote no on SB 30: www.texaswatch.org/protect-pati...

Protect Patient Access | Texas Watch

Insurance and corporate lobbyists are pushing dangerous bills at the State Capitol that will limit your healthcare choices and impose a cap on damages if you are seriously injured. This is a giveaway ...

www.texaswatch.org

Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · Apr 23

"If passed, the new law will dramatically increase insurance company profits to the detriment of everyday Texans." #txlege #NoToSB30 #insurance #safety #patientaccess

Texas Senate Bill 30: An Existential Threat to Justice Based on a Fictional “Nuclear Verdict” Crisis According to Two Prominent Attorneys

Attorneys Cody Dishon and Will Moye shared their insights in a recent op-ed

www.reuters.com

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Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · Mar 25

Sign our petition here: www.texaswatch.org/protect-pati...

SB 30 and HB 4806 limit patient access to care in a state where too many Texans are uninsured and face few options. #txlege #patientaccess #healthcare #safety #justice #texas

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Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · Mar 19

Oppose SB 779 here: texaswatch.org/protect-loca...

Public nuisance laws protect property and life in our state, holding wrongdoers like big polluters and opioid pill pushers accountable. Corporate lobbyists are pushing for dangerous legal restrictions, which will only lead to more harm. #txlege

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Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · Mar 19

"KXAN took the findings of our team’s year-long investigation into hospital safety straight to lawmakers, testifying before a Senate panel about a bill sparked by our reporting that supporters say could save lives." #txlege @mattgrantkxan.bsky.social @kxan.com

Senate panel hears testimony on hospital bollard bill sparked by KXAN

KXAN took the findings of our team’s year-long investigation into hospital safety straight to lawmakers, testifying before a Senate panel about a bill sparked by our reporting that supporters…

www.kxan.com

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Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · Mar 14

"The driver of a truck involved in the crash has been detained amid an ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash, an Austin police official with knowledge of the investigation said." #txlege #truckingdanger #saferoads

UPDATE: Truck driver detained amid investigation into deadly 17-vehicle car crash in Austin

A major crash involving 17 vehicles on I-35 near Austin left 5 people dead and several others injured. Among the deceased were two children.

www.statesman.com

Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · Mar 14

Texans need #SafeRoads. #txlege

At least 5 dead, 11 hurt in 17-vehicle crash on I-35 in north Austin

Austin Police said at least five people died and 11 were hurt in a crash involving at least 17 vehicles, including semi-trucks, on Interstate 35 in north Austin late Thursday night.

www.kxan.com

Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · Mar 12

Fight for fair appraisal and safe repairs here: texaswatch.org/campaigns/sa...

#txlege #insurance #fairappraisal #saferepairs

Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · Mar 6

"If passed, it would require the installation of crash-tested security barriers, called bollards, at most hospital entrances statewide." @mattgrantkxan.bsky.social @kxan.com #txlege #safety #patientsafety

Hospital safety bill gets bipartisan support a year after deadly St. David’s crash

More than a year after a drunk driver slammed into St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, killing herself and seriously injuring five others, there’s now growing, bipartisan support f…

www.kxan.com

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Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · Feb 28

"An estimated 450 million health insurance claims are now denied each year and the number is growing, according to healthcare company Premier, Inc. Some consumer watchdogs worry it’s because decisions are being made by computers — not people." #txlege

www.wfaa.com/article/news...

Insurance company denied payment for life-saving air ambulance, claiming unconscious patient failed to get preapproval

No heartbeat. No breathing. No pulse. But Amanda Boley’s insurance company said she still should have obtained preapproval.

www.wfaa.com

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Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · Feb 27

Stop insurance schemes here: www.texaswatch.org/campaigns/st...

For over 25 years, we have advocated for the rights of consumers, workers, patients, and policyholders in our great state. We help you make your voices heard inside of the Texas Capitol. #txlege #insurance

Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · Feb 25

In the News: "Wendell said one solution to minimize overcharges would be to stop them before they start using 'prior approval' versus a 'file and use' system.

Wendell said more frequent and severe weather events aren't helping the insurance crisis." #txlege #insurance

13 Investigates: Houston area homeowners risk ditching insurance amid 'unsustainable' rates

"This increase in insurance can't continue. It's unsustainable," one Texas homeowner said in response to skyrocketing home insurance rates.

abc13.com

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Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · Feb 21

Take a few seconds to tell your lawmakers to end the vulture culture in these insurance companies and support HB 946! #txlege #insurance #safety #autorepairs

Sign here: www.texaswatch.org/campaigns/st...

Stop Insurance Schemes: Anna Thomas

YouTube video by Texas Watch

youtu.be

Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · Feb 7

Texans voted for lower prices this past November, and politicians need to keep their promises. Fair appraisal in every auto insurance policy will save you money and ensure safer repairs on our vehicles. #txlege #insurance

Keep our lawmakers accountable here: www.texaswatch.org/campaigns/sa...

Safe Repairs Save Lives. Fair auto appraisal is a process that allows you and your insurance company to determine how much a repair should cost. After a car crash, insurance companies often lowball claims, trying to “repair” your car on the cheap. Repairs must be done safely, according to the manufacturer’s specifications, to protect you and your family. Fair auto appraisal can help you resolve cost disputes quickly, so you can get back on the road with the confidence your repair was done safely Some auto insurance companies are trying to take appraisal away in policies, which will hurt you and your family financially. Insurance claims must be paid on time and in full. Please take one minute to tell your lawmakers that we need a right to fair auto appraisal and the right to a safe repair in all auto policies in Texas! Fair appraisal leads to safe repairs, and safe repairs save lives!

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Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · Feb 5

Tell lawmakers to lower your insurance rates here: www.texaswatch.org/act. #txlege #insurance

Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · Feb 3

“'When insurance companies refuse to honor their policy, we pay the price,' he added." #txlege #insurance @expressnews.com

USAA insurance companies' denial rate on homeowners claims under scrutiny

The San Antonio insurer countered that its rate of denying insurance claims is far less than what an independent insurance company rating agency has reported.

www.expressnews.com

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Texas Watch @texaswatch.bsky.social · Jan 29

Stop insurance companies from tricking you into giving up your rights over the phone. #txlege #insurance #texas

Take a few seconds to tell your lawmakers to require insurers to put everything in writing.

Sign here: www.texaswatch.org/campaigns/st...

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